Friday, July 1, 2011

20 Tips To Keep Your Children Safe

The world can be a scary place for some
children. Learn everything you can
about keeping yours safe.

Growing up, many of us probably put ourselves (or were put) into situations where something bad could have happened to us. Hopefully you came out unscathed. Unfortunately, many people were not so lucky. No matter how loving a parent, or how smart you may think you are, there are times when we don't listen to our instincts. How do we teach our children to protect themselves while still giving them a sense of autonomy and freedom?A couple of weeks ago I went to hear a presentation by Pattie Fitzgerald of Safely Ever After. Pattie is a mother and widely recognized and respected children’s advocate. She has made it her mission to empower families through her innovative and non-fearful safety programs for parents and children.A False Sense Of SecurityPattie began by lecture by reminding us that what was going to protect our family is not where we live, but what we know.

90% of childhood sexual abuse occurs by someone the child knows - not by a stranger.

Childhood sexual abuse occurs among all socioeconomic and educational levels, and across all racial and cultural groups.

More than 80% of sexual abuse happens in a one adult/one child situation. Think carefully before leaving your child alone with one adult, especially with coaches, counselors, etc. Drop in unexpectedly on occasion.

Sex offenders look for opportunities to groom a child with manipulative ploys of attention, flattery, gifts etc. A parent's job is to watch for signs of "grooming" and to stop it before abuse occurs. 89% of offenders gain access through "grooming techniques".

The most vulnerable age is between 9 and 12. This is an age when children become more secretive and parents tend to back off to give the child some autonomy. Children at this age also start a different reasoning process where they think they'll be blamed for the abuse.

Predator Myths And Realities

Myth: Only strangers or registered sex offenders abuse children

Myth: It's never the older brother next door, the babysitter's son, the older cousin.

Myth: Predators are "weird/scary" looking

In reality, when predators are caught, they are often the people about whom people say, "We trusted him. He was a great guy. He was so nice to everyone". Predators target people who want to fit in. But the possibility of getting caught is the number one deterrent. If your child communicates with you, if you are paying attention, if your child is the type who would say "you shouldn't touch me like that" - your child is less likely to be victimized.

Fundamentals

Trust your instincts, let your kids trust their instincts

BELIEVE YOUR CHILD. If you discount their "uh oh" feelings you are essentially telling your child "I don't have your back".Only 1 - 4% of reported cases are fabricated and there are 39 million reported survivors of abuse in the United States alone.

Build self-confidence

Don't teach "stranger-danger". Use the phrase "tricky people". These are people who try to trick you into breaking the rules. As we already learned, 90% of abusers are not strangers!

It's not what people look like, it's what they say or want to do that you need to be wary of

Teach children to recognize "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" people and situations. This is terminology they understand and it covers people you know, don't know and know just a little.

Know how kids communicate: they may tell parts of what happened or mention it in a roundabout way that they don't want to be around a certain adult. Pay attention to their cues. Sometimes a child will pretend it happened to someone else to test your reaction.

If your child does disclose, respond in a gentle fashion. Tell them how brave they are that you're glad they're telling.

Talk to your kids about their daily activities. Encourage them to share the "ups and downs" of their day.

Be very clear about who is allowed to bathe and dress your child. Just because your nanny is allowed to do it doesn't mean her husband should, too.

Open, honest communication is the best sexual abuse prevention tip. Start early discussing personal body issues with clear language and continue the dialogue as they grow up.

Empowering your children makes them
feel strong, smart and brave!

What Kids Should Know At Every Age (from Safely Ever After)

I am The Boss Of My Body! Mom and dad are the boss when it comes to staying healthy and clean, but in all other circumstances, your child is the boss. Children as young as age 3 - 5 should know the correct names for body parts, the difference between "safe" and "unsafe" touches and understand the concept of "No-Go-Tell". For children age 6 - 10 you can tell them that they they have the right to say NO to any uncomfortable touches, no matter who it is, even to an adult or older kid. Also, they need to know it is not their fault if someone tries to touch a private part of their body and they have the right to express or receive physical affection on their terms (By the way, parents, this means you need to stop forcing your kids to hug Grandma Betty if they don't want to. More on that later). Children ages 11 and older can be told that it is OK to say STOP to anyone's touches anywhere on their body. And affection between adults and children does not include touching or kissing private parts, undressing together or sharing bodies in a "yucky" or uncomfortable manner.

The "Helping" Rule. Children age 3 -5 need to know that they should not help anyone who asks them to find a lost pet, give them direction, or carry packages to their home or car without mom/dad/caretaker present. Also, safe grownups don't ask kids for help when you're by yourself - they're supposed to ask OTHER grownups. Children age 6 - 10 must also know thatbefore assisting anyone, check first with the adult in charge of your safety. If you can't check first, the answer is NO. Children this age also need tounderstand the difference between helping with chores in the home vs. helping someone out in the world when you're on your own. Additionally, they should not enter someone's home to help them unless their parents say it's OK. Tell your children age 11 and older thattheymust be wary of people who ask you for help when you're alone or with your friends in public places. Employ the "check first rule" whenever possible. And remind them not to be tricked by offers of money or gifts in exchange for assistance.

Predators know what is most enticing
to your children. Teach yours to check first.

Candy, Gifts, Treats. Teach your children age 3 - 5 to say no to anyone who wants to give them candy, gifts or treats unless their parent is with them and says it's OK first. Children age6 - 10 can be told that it is not OK for someone to offer them a treat in exchange for keeping a secret. By age 11 and older can be told that they should tell their parents about anyone who wants to give them an expensive gift or treat without their knowledge. They should also understand that bribing a child with the promise of a gift or treat is wrong, and may even be illegal. Remind them it's not their fault and it's important to tell right away.

Trusting Your Instinct/your inner voice/"the uh-oh feeling". Childrenby age 3 - 5 can be told to listen to their inner voice or that feeling you get in your tummy when something feels wrong or "yucky". They should know to tell mom or dad about any "uh oh" feelings they have, no matter when it happens. With children age 6 - 10 you can tell them to get away quickly from anyone who makes them feel weird, yucky or uncomfortable. And remind them that they don't have to be polite to anyone who gives them that "uh oh" feeling. Children age 11 and older should be told to pay attention to their feelings, especially if someone tries to get them to do something they know is wrong or makes them feel badly. Remind them that their own inner alarm is their best safety system.

Secrets. With children age 3 - 5 tell them that there are no secrets from mom or dad. Remind them that safe grownups don't tell kids to keep secrets from their parents and that there is a difference between a "secret" and a "surprise". Tell children age 6 - 10 that they won't get in trouble for telling their parents about any kind of secret that an adult has told them to keep. Remind them to tell mom and dad right away and not to hold on to "yucky" secrets, especially ones about their body. Tell them that safe adults don't tell kids to keep secrets from their parents.

Out And About. For children age 3 - 5 tell them that if they are lost, Freeze and Yell or ask a Mom with Kids for help. Remind them to never go outside to the parking lot to look for their parents and teach them your address and a parent's cell phone number. Children age 6 - 10 should ask a mom with kids, or the cash register person for help. Remind them not to wander around or leave the area to search for their parents. Tell them not to enter restrooms alone or with someone they don't know and not to use shortcuts through alleys or play in unfamiliar areas. For kids age 11 and older you can tell them not to be tricked into getting into a car with someone you don't know because they seem nice or because they offer you something enticing like payment for doing work. Also, if they want to change their plans, go somewhere else, or enter a car even with an adult they know, they have to call and check in first with their parents to let them know. If they can't check first, the answer is NO.

Check First. Children age 3 - 5 need to be told that they should always ask mom, dad or caretaker before they go anywhere or take anything even from someone they know, Also, if they're finished playing in one ares and want to do something else, check first. Age 6 - 10 you must have permission before getting into a car or entering someone's home. Check first, even f it's a neighbor or someone that you know. If you don't have permission first, don't do it. For kids 9 years old and up - use a family code word. For children age 11 and older teach them to always let their parents know where they're going and when they'll be back. Additionally, they should know that if they are changing plans, to let their parents know first.

Tricky People. For kids age 3 - 5 replace stranger-danger concept with "tricky people". Remind them that it's not what someone looks like, it's what they want you to do. Teach them that "tricky people" may ask kids to do "thumbs down" things. For kids age 6 -10 you can teach them that a tricky person may be someone they know, don't know, or know just a little. They should learn that they can recognize a tricky person by their behaviors and actions - by what they say and do. For children age 11 and older remind them that they don't have to be polite to anyone who tries to trick you into doing something feels bad and to be alert for tricks that sound "too good to be true".

Getting Help. For children age 3 - 5 teach them that they should always tell mom or dad if they feel scared, uncomfortable or have an "uh oh" feeling about someone. And if they are afraid to tell their parents, they should tell a teacher. Teach children age 6 - 10 to tell their parents about anyone who's made them feel yucky or touched them in an uncomfortable way. Remind them that if they can't tell their parents, then tell a teacher and if that doesn't work, keep telling a grownup until you get help. For children age 11 and older you can tell them to tell a parent, a teacher, a guidance counselor or other trusted adult if they need help. If they're not comfortable talking to a parent, consider other safe grownups who will help you, like a friend's mom. Above all, keep telling until you get help.

I wanted to emphasize that first point about being the boss of their bodies. We should never force children to be affectionate to everyone. By doing so, we are telling them that they're not really the boss of their own bodies. There are may reasons a child may not want a kiss or hug from a relative. My grandfather used to lick his lips before he gave kisses. It wasn't inappropriate, it was just gross! Instead of telling your child what to do, simply ask him or her, "Do you want to give Grandma Betty a hug?" If the child still feels uncomfortable, show them that you have their back. If the person in question is pressuring you, or doesn't agree with letting children make this decision, try saying, "We've been working really hard with the kids teaching them the 'I'm the boss of my own own body' rules. Can you help me with this?" This way you are bringing the other adult into the fold, the child doesn't sense any aggravation between you which could lead him or her to decide not to say no next time. Safely Ever AfterThere was so much more information that Pattie gave us including details on boundaries, red flags and common lures, but I feel as though this post has gotten really long. If there is interest, I will do a follow up post with more information, but I highly, highly recommend contacting Pattie at Safely Ever After to have her speak at your school, your group, even your home. As street smart as I am, I came away from Pattie's lecture realizing how much I really didn't know and how much I really hadn't spoken to my children about!How about you? Do you already speak to your kids about keeping themselves safe? Do you have any tips to share? Was any of this particularly eye opening to you? I love your comment, let me know your thoughts!Thanks for reading!-GinaThe Twin CoachLeave a comment and then come check me out on Facebook and Twitter, I'd love you to join the conversation there!

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Great Comments Made By Clicking Here!:

Andrea Richey
said...

Great post Gina, as always. : ) This is a very important topic, and one most people don't want to think about, or don't believe they need to think about. I facilitate a similar training called Stewards of Children, which was created by an organization called Darkness to Light. Their website has a lot of great info. www.d2l.orgTake care.

What a comprehensive, well-written piece on a wildly important topic. I love the languaging, like "the helping rule" and parents as the boss over healthy and clean but "I'm the boss of my body" you used. It turned some, frankly, scary scenarios into a way you can empower children to be safe. Most importantly, you model consistency. Children can't distinguish between being empowered in some situations but not in other "because I said it was okay" scenarios as you highlighted with Grandma Betty. Hope this reaches as many parents as possible...ten minutes of reading could be all it takes to keep a child safe.

Terrific post! I've had conversations with my kids about answering the phone. They love to answer the home phone and I let them. But, we get calls from telemarketers and I've told them to hang up if the person can't pronounce our last name. It seems to work. I've also told them to hang up if the person starts asking them personal questions.

Thank you all for your comments. I'm so glad the information was helpful! Andrea, thank you for sharing the organization you work with - it looks like a great resource! And what a wonderful thing for you to be doing. Christina, you are so smart to add the information about answering the phone as well! It's definitely something easy to overlook.- Gina

Gina, Thank you for this very important post. I so appreciate the clear, comprehensive information, and the guidelines about what to say to children at different ages and stages. I love the matter of fact, proactive approach to helping to keep children safe, without unduly scaring them, or over protecting to the point of allowing them no age appropriate freedom at all. The part that most stands out for me is the importance of letting children know they are the boss of their own bodies, both by our words and our actions (by not asking them to kiss relatives, or accept affection from anyone, just because it's Grandma, for instance). I think one of the reasons I'm so drawn to Magda Gerber's RIE teachings, is because she stresses the importance of caring for, and "handling" babies with the utmost respect, and gentleness, always telling them before you pick them up, for instance, and waiting for their response. I think when children are treated with this kind of respect from early on, they do develop a strong sense of self, and body integrity, which goes a long way towards helping to keep them strong and safe in this world. Thanks again for another great post. I will be sharing.

Wow!I really learned a lot from this article. It opened my mind to broader ideas on how to teach my two angels safety measures not only towards strangers but to everyone else who they already know. At age 8 and 9, my kids are already complaining about my constant reminding of them about "not talking to strangers, etc. etc." Every time I start they would accompany me in my "litany", but THIS is something new and I'm sure that they are in for a new surprise that I myself has encountered. I love the terms used and I can't think of anything to add to the tips. All I can share is this link that I have fallen in love with: http://safekidzone.com/

I absolutely love hearing another adult say trust a child's instincts and let them be the boss of their own body!! This is something my husband and I always agreed on teaching our children. We are religious, so we tell the kids to listen to promptings from the Spirit and if something feels bad - listen to that bad feeling and get us! We also never make them be affectionate with anyone they don't want to. It is amazing how much backlash we have gotten over these two things over the years (even from other members of our faith about following the promptings of the Spirit)! It's comforting to read another validate what we always felt was right.

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Meet The Twin Coach

Hi, my name is Gina Osher. I'm a former holistic healer turned parenting coach and mother to 5-year old boy/girl twins. I do write about life with twins, but mostly I write about my efforts to find a deeper joy in parenting and a more connected understanding of children (no matter how many you have)!